Core Research

Engagement model

Three phases with evidence gates and rollback controls at every step.

Every engagement follows three phases. Each phase has defined scope, concrete deliverables, and a leadership decision gate.

Phase 1: Capability Discovery

  • Duration: 2-3 weeks.
  • Focus: Map dependency risk, contract exposure, and continuity baselines for one critical capability.
  • Deliverables:
    • Capability control map showing owners, supporting systems, and control leaks.
    • Dependency risk profile with contract and continuity exposure.
    • Recommended first capability to pilot.
  • Decision gate: Leadership chooses the first capability to pilot or stops with a clear map of risk.

Phase 2: Capability Pilot

  • Duration: 4-8 weeks.
  • Focus: Run one ringfenced capability in parallel with existing systems.
  • Deliverables:
    • Parallel-run design with reconciliation routines.
    • Rollback triggers and escalation paths.
    • Evidence log showing outcomes against agreed success criteria.
  • Decision gate: Leadership approves cutover, extends the pilot, or stops safely based on evidence.

Phase 3: Controlled Cutover Program

  • Duration: Roadmap-led (quarter by quarter).
  • Focus: Sequence capability cutovers with clear governance gates.
  • Deliverables:
    • Cutover governance pack with decision checkpoints and approval criteria.
    • Sequenced capability roadmap tied to business risk.
    • Evidence expectations for executive sign-off at each gate.
  • Decision gate: Each capability cutover is independently approved.

Risk controls

  1. Ownership is named. Every capability has a single accountable owner with decision authority.
  2. Evidence precedes action. No cutover happens without reconciliation data and agreed success criteria.
  3. Rollback is always available. Parallel-run architecture keeps the old path live until the new one is proven.